By Paul Fallon
FARMINGTON — One of Farmington’s favorite sons returned home Sunday night to attend a political rally that dates back to 1982.
Gov. Joe Manchin traveled back to his hometown along with Sen. Jay Rockefeller for the rally, which was held in the town’s fire hall. Both Manchin and Rockefeller are seeking re-election on Tuesday.
The Farmington stop was the third one of the day for the incumbents. The first rally was held in Westover and from there, the two made their way to Bridgeport High School before finishing the day in Farmington.
Manchin discussed various issues with the crowd that filled the fire hall and overflowed into the street. He also reminisced about growing up in the small town north of Fairmont and told those assembled that the values he learned as a small child in Farmington have helped him as a public servant.
Manchin pointed to such values as having a good work ethic and holding people accountable for their actions as virtues that he first learned from his family and neighbors in Farmington. However, he added that he also learned that it was a person’s responsibility to help take care of family and neighbors as well.
“We are our brother’s and our sister’s keeper,” Manchin said to the crowd.
Rockefeller also offered a few words to the crowd. The longtime senator from West Virginia said he was honored to have served them as their representative in Washington, D.C. He added that the reasons he has worked so long attempting to help West Virginians is because he loves the state and the people who call it home.
“I’m proud to be a West Virginian, and I’m proud to be an American,” Rockefeller said.
Pastor Ron Lee of Worthington was one of the many who turned out Sunday to hear the candidates speak. He noted that he was interested in hearing what the public servants had to say about health care in the country.
“And I also want to hear what they say about bringing jobs here, too,” Lee said.
E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.
